Our scripture this morning is 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NLT).
If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
Paul writes to warn and reassure the church at Corinth regarding temptation. He first says “if you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall”, regarding our tendency to rely on our own strength. If we say “we are above that”, Satan often says “challenge accepted!” Sin entered the world because we chose our own way!
Paul gave similar advice to his student Timothy, saying “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts” (2 Timothy 2:22). By staying in relationship with God and others of the faith, we can stand against the temptations of the world.
Finally, Paul says you’re not the only one affected by temptation, it happens to all of us. However, God has promised “not to allow the temptation to be more than you can stand.” He has shown us the way to be saved through Jesus Christ.
Heavenly Father, we often seem to run into temptation rather than away from it. Help us to see that our connection to You is the sure defense and stand firm against sin. Amen.
